Draft Min 12-14-09MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
December 14, 2009
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
Attendance IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor Mike Borno City Attorney Alan C. Jensen
Commissioner Jonathan Daugherty City Manager Jim Hanson
Mayor Pro Tern John L. Fletcher City Clerk Donna L. Bartle
Commissioner Paul Parsons Recording Secretary Nancy E. Bailey
Commissioner Carolyn Woods
Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Borno called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Borno gave the
Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Approval of Minutes 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of November
23, 2009.
Motion: Aaurove the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of November
23, 20119. as written.
Moved by Parsons, Seconded by Fletcher.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
Courtesy of the Floor 2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors.
Mayor Borno recognized the Johnson twins, children of Recreation Director Timmy
Johnson, and Admiral Harry Ulrich who were in the audience.
Mayor Borno then turned the floor over to Chief Mike Classey who introduced Jon
Tusing, stating he was promoted to Sergeant, effective November 1, 2009. He stated
Sergeant Tusing has been assigned to the patrol division as squad supervisor.
Mayor Borno opened the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors. He welcomed the audience
and explained the process for public comments.
Donna Bagby, 1817 Selva Grande Drive, Chairperson of the Atlantic Beach Dog
Park Committee, addressed the Commission regarding the possible location at Hopkins
Creek for the proposed dog park and explained what her committee has planned for
this location. She stated the committee has raised $7,236 through fundraising and
donations in the memory of Scott Debuty. She stated this money, along with the grant
from the City of Jacksonville, gives them the funds needed to complete the project.
She stated the Dag Park Committee and its volunteers will be responsible far the
upkeep of the park, excluding lawn maintenance and trash disposal. She further
pointed out the pros and cons of the location at Hopkins Creek versus Tideviews Park.
She stated the initial cost estimate is going to be less than previously discussed and
explained the changes.
December 14.2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 2
Carson Baillie, 1923 Beach Avenue, stated she is the former director of the Atlantic
Beach Experimental Theatre and currently the Artistic Director Emeritus. She wanted
to remind the Commission of the jewel they have in the community by having their
own community theatre. She stated they are currently presenting an original musical,
Aussie Sony, written by a local woman, that has never been performed anywhere in the
world. She stated they should be proud that their community is presenting an original
production of this caliber and wanted to bring it to their attention.
Sally Clemens, 1638 Park Terrace West, stated $45,000 in bed tax funds was spent
to buy In Search of Atlantis, matched by $50,000 from the Jacksonville City Council
appropriation. She stated names of individuals, even committee and board names,
displayed on local art diminish the beauty of the art itself. She stated reasons not to
display names are that it was paid for by the public, some people do not want their
names displayed, an omitted name would be imprudent, and the esthetic value could be
diminished. She further stated the name of the artist and the date would be tasteful and
appropriate. She wished Merry Christmas to all and a blessed New Year.
Penny Kamish, 193 Beach Avenue, informed the Commission that former Chief of
Police/Fire Chief Carl Stucki passed away a couple of weeks ago and asked if the
Commission could do something to acknowledge his passing. Mayor Borno stated
they would look into that.
Maria Mark, 1148 Linkside Drive, gave a report on MarshFest, recently held at
Dutton Island, and thanked the City of Atlantic Beach for their sponsorship, and
acknowledged several staff members for their help. She stated, from the fundraising
events held at MarshFest, after expenses, they will be able to give the City a small
donation for the River Branch Preserve master planning. She stated the committee
would like to make this an annual event with the partnership of the City of Atlantic
Beach. As a token of their appreciation, she presented tote bags to the City
Commission.
No one else from the audience spoke so Mayor Borno closed the Courtesy of the Floor
to Visitors.
Unfinished Business 3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
from Previous A. City Manager's Follow-up Report.
Meeting
None.
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE CONSIDERED
TO BE ROUTINE BY THE CITY COMMISSION AND WILL BE ENACTED BY
ONE MOTION IN THE FORM LISTED BELOW. THERE WILL BE NO
SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS. IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED,
THAT ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND WILL
BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED TO
THE CITY COMMISSION ON THESE ITEMS.
December 14.2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 3
A. Acknowledge receipt of the Monthly Utility Sales Report for November
2009, List of New Local Business Tax Receipts issued in November 2009,
Public Works and Utility Report through October 30, 2009 and Building
Department Report for November 2009.
B. Declaze the list of property as surplus so that it may be disposed of in the most
beneficial way to the City.
Mayor Borno read the Consent Agenda.
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items A and B. as read.
Moved by Daugherty, seconded by Parsons.
Votes:
Aye: S -Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
Committee Reports ~. Committee Reports
None.
Action on Resolutions 6. Action on Resolutions
None.
Action on Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
A. ORDINANCE N0.45-10-20, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 20 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, TAXATION, ARTICLE III,
LOCAL BUSINESS TAX, SEC. 20-52.1, INSPECTIONS, TO DELETE FEES FOR
INITIAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS AND FIRE INSPECTIONS FROM BEING
INCLUDED IN BUSINESS TAX FEES, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Borno read Ordinance No. 45-10-20 by title.
Motion: ADarove Ordinance No. 45-10-20. as read.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Fletcher.
City Manager Hanson explained this is eliminating some conflicting language they
didn't realize was there when they adopted the Ordinance about a month ago. Mayor
Borno stated it removes the sentence, the fee for the initial building inspection shall be
included in the business tax fee hereunder specified and the fee for the fire inspection
shall be set forth in Sec. 7-17. He stated with that being removed it allows the eazlier
ordinance approved to be functional.
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
D~ember 14.2009 REGULAR COMMISSIQN MEETING Pace 4
Miscellaneous 8. Miscellaneous Business
Business
A. Request from Winston Newgard to provide tattoo and body piercing
services at 1079 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 4.
City Clerk Bartle stated the applicant was not present. Mayor Bomo stated
since this has been deferred once before, they should go forward with it.
Motion: Denv request from Winston Newgard to provide tattoo and
piercing services in conjunction with a retail art shop at 1079 Atlantic
Boulevard, Suite 4, subject to proper state licensing for such services and
approvals from the building inspector. f re inspector and city clerk.
Moved by Parsons, Seconded by Fletcher.
City Manager Hanson stated Chief Classey would give a recommendation on
the applicant's criminal background and Community Development Director
Sonya Doerr had been directed to check with the adjoining businesses to see if
they had an opinion as to whether a tattoo business would be appropriate next
to their businesses and would give a report on that. City Attorney Alan Jensen
asked whether the applicant was awaze he was on the agenda tonight. City
Clerk Bartle stated he was awaze. She stated the applicant told her he had
expected the Commission to act on this at the last meeting. She stated he had
confirmed receiving the email she sent him following the last meeting, but he
did not get back with her to let her know he was not coming to the meeting
tonight even though she had tried numerous times to contact him to remind him
of the meeting. Chief Classey stated under public records laws athree-county
seazch was made of Mr. Newgazd's criminal background which revealed there
had been 11 arrests between the yeazs of 1990 and 2001. He stated there could
be more arrests that he is not awaze of but based on the criminal record from
this search he would have serious concern about granting an application to him
to do business in Atlantic Beach. Ms. Doerr explained she spoke with all of the
owners/operators of the other businesses at this center and they stated they
didn't have anything against tattoo businesses but it seemed out of character
with the kinds of businesses there now. She stated it would be a different type
of business, and the impact on existing businesses or neighborhoods is one of
the things to be considered when approving uses in the Commercial General
District. Mr. Hanson further stated a tattoo business has to be part of another
business and can't be a stand-alone business and believes there was a question
in staff s mind as to whether this is essentially a tattoo business with a couple
of things on the side as there doesn't appear to be any other significant business
that this is ancillary to. Commissioner Fletcher asked how the law lets us
consider this applicant's criminal background when considering a land
development use waiver. City Attorney Jensen stated there is nothing specific
except that the Ordinance requires that the Commission approve this type of
application. He stated they should look at the totality of all of the
circumstances and not just take one thing alone; it is a case by case decision.
Commissioner Fletcher stated he believes all of that could be irrelevant as far as
he is concerned; he doesn't need to know his criminal background nor what the
neighbors think about what his business might be. He stated his concern was
pgcember 14, 2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 5
that the tattoo/body piercing needs to be companioned to another primary
business. He stated if the tattooing is truly ancillary, the Commission could
deny the tattooing and he would have a viable business notwithstanding. He
stated there is no way to really gauge whether it is ancillary and there is a
suspicion that it is a primary, which is why he would vote to reject this waiver.
Commissioner Daugherty agreed with Commissioner Fletcher stating it seems
to be evident from what has been given them that the tattooing is a primary
business. Commissioner Woods stated she believes his lack of interest in
showing up to discuss his business is a red flag. Mayor Borno agreed, stating
he had some concerns he wanted to discuss with the applicant.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
B. Request from Jorge Rivera for approval to operate a business at 1890
Mealy Street that provides day labor employment services.
Mayor Borno asked that the applicant come before the Commission. Justin
Stern, General Manager, 1890 Mealy Street, explained the nature of the
business and explained how it is operated. He stated they currently have 30-60
personnel employed in the City of Atlantic Beach at the shipyards. He stated
the majority of the personnel are residents of Atlantic Beach. Mayor Borno
asked if the personnel congregate at the business before going to the shipyazd.
Mr. Stern explained the personnel report directly to Mayport Naval Station or
they will pick them up and take them there.
Motion: Approve request from Jorae Rivera to operate a day labor
employment business subject to approvals from the Building Inspector
Fire Ynspector and C,~tv Clerk
Moved by Woods, Seconded by Parsons.
Commissioner Fletcher asked that a condition be added to the motion which
was drafted by Ms. Doerr and read by Mr. Hanson, "No work force persons
shall be dispatched from or returned to this location. On-site personnel shall be
limited only to the office and clerical workers that aze employed at this location
on a daily basis." Mr. Stern agreed to that condition.
Amended Motion: Approve request from Jorge Rivera to operate a day
labor employment business subject to approvals from the Building
Inspector. Fire Inspector and City Clerk to include the condition• No work
force persons shall be dispatched from or returned to this location, On-site
personnel shall be limited only to the office and clerical workers that are
employed at this location on a dai_w basis.
Moved by Woods, Seconded by Pazsons.
December 14 20(19 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 6
Mr. Stern explained they do hold training courses at this site and the
participants get a break and may stand outside and smoke, which happens twice
a month. Mr. Hanson stated that would not conflict with the language,
"dispatched from or returned to".
City Clerk Bartle informed the Commission of the high fee charged for the day
labor classification and asked for guidance to change the fee charged. She
explained if this business is classified as day labor it will have to remain at the
high fee. Mr. Hanson asked if this was to be considered an employment agency
and not day labor would it affect the fee? Ms. Bartle stated it would then just
be a calculation based on square footage to determine the fee. Mr. Stern
explained his business supports long-term contracts with Atlantic Marine North
Florida, Earl Industries. He stated the personnel could come in and work one
day and if they don't meet the standards they can be turned away, but the
majority of the personnel they have now have been with them for over 2%z
months. He stated personnel can't just walk. up and collect a pay check for the
day they just worked, so he believes his business is more like a temporary
service agency rather than day labor. Mayor Borno asked, since they have been
in business for over 2'/z months, is there any reason they aze just now seeing
this item brought before the Commission. Mr. Stern admitted he just dropped
the ball and was aware he would be charged a 25% penalty fee for doing
business eazly. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Commission to reclassify this business from day labor to employment agency,
which will greatly reduce the fee.
Commissioner Woods withdraw her motion and Commissioner Pazsons
withdrew his second.
Motion: Annrove request from Jorae Rivera tQ operate an emDloyment
a~ency subiect to annrovals from the building inspector, fire inspector and
city clerk to include the condition: No work force persons shall be
dispatched from or returned to this location. On-site aersonnel shall be
limited only to the office and clerical workers that are employed at this
location on a daily basis.
Moved by Woods, Seconded by Parsons.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
C. Proposed Change to Dog Park Location from Tideviews Preserve to
Hopkins Creek Pond.
Motion: Aparove relocation of aroposed site of dog nark from Tideviews
to Hoskins Creek.
Moved by Woods, Seconded by Daugherty.
December 14.2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 7
Discussion ensued regarding whether to have a chain link fence or a solid
fence. Mayor Borno stated this can be worked out with the committee.
Public Works Director Rick Carper stated the pro for the Tideviews Preserve
location is that there is a restroom there. He stated he did not want to make a
recommendation on the staff' report because he had not talked to the Pastor of
Sunrise Church yet, but after speaking with him, he would recommend
changing the designated location for the proposed dog park to Hopkins Creek
from Tideviews. He stated the City will prepare a new access easement
agreement between the church and the City to provide access not just for City
personnel, but for users of the dog park. Commissioner Parsons suggested an
annual fee be charged for clean up expenses, etc. Mr. Carper stated they have
discussed this and suggested a type of magnetic key be issued from City Hall,
whereby the users would pay their fee, read the rules and sign an affidavit
stating their dogs have been vaccinated, before being issued a key. Donna
Bagby, stated when they have a definite location, they may have a connection
through ADT for a possible donation. She stated she believes an entry key is a
good idea and believes they could do away with a water fountain for people and
let everyone bring their own water and put that money toward the security card
entry. Mayor Borno stated these are details that can be worked out by the
committee and staff at a later time; they are just here tonight to make a decision
on the location.
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
D. Request from Beaches Fine Arts Series for funding to support Mothers
Day concert in Jacksonville Beach.
Mayor Borno explained he received an email from Kathy Wallace at Beaches
Fine Arts Series asking for a donation for the Mothers Day concert in
Jacksonville Beach. He stated this is not a Beaches Fine Arts Series event.
Commissioner Parsons stated when he looks at these types of requests, he looks
at it as a quality of life issue and is in favor of donating the money.
Commissioner Fletcher stated he would rather see us invest $2,000 in Atlantic
Beach and suggested Ms. Wallace get private donations rather than lean on
municipalities whose budgets are bad. He stated he cannot support this request.
Commissioner Daugherty asked what the precedent was for supporting things
like this. Mayor Borno stated basic standard requests go through the Cultural
Arts and Recreation Committee. Commissioner Daugherty stated his concern
was that if this is approved, every other event that comes along in Jacksonville
Beach or Neptune Beach is going to ask for donations, which will set a
precedent. Mayor Borno stated this is the first time he can remember that this
type request has not gone through the Cultural Arts and Recreation Committee.
Commissioner Woods agreed with Commissioner Parsons and Commissioner
Fletcher. She stated a symphony is a very special event and is something you
December 14.2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 8
want to nurture and keep and recommended this be deferred until February,
giving them time to get other donations, and reconsider the issue at that time.
Mayor Borno agreed this could be postponed or we could give them a donation
with the stipulation that it would not be given unless the event is going to
happen. Commissioner Fletcher stated the Cultural Arts and Recreation
Committee would have time to give a recommendation if it was deferred.
Mayor Borno stated they sent it back to the Commission because they have
already spent their budget.
Motion: Defer request for donation of S2,000 to Beaches Fine Arts Series
to support Mothers Dav concert in Jacksonville Beach until first meeting
in Februarv.
Moved by Fletcher, Seconded by Woods.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Borno stated he would contact Ms. Wallace with the Commission's
decision and ask for a report from them.
E. Removal of 25-foot platted Building Restriction Lines (BRL) in the
Royal Palms and Atlantic Beach Villa subdivisions.
Sonya Doerr summarized her staff report explaining the revision request.
Motion: Direct staff to proceed with revision to the Royal Palms and
Atlantic Beach Villa subdivisions as described herein. and authorize the
Mavor to sign the revised plats.
Moved by Woods, Seconded by Parsons.
Commissioner Daugherty asked if Aquatic Gardens was included in this
revision. Ms. Doerr stated it was not. They have standard zoning setbacks.
Commissioner Woods stated this is relieving a burden on this neighborhood
because the lots are pat large, not deep and lifestyles have changed a lot since
the 1960s. Mayor Borno stated they will gain 5 feet. He added if they ever
want to renovate or add a front porch, they will have an advantage of five
additional feet to work with.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
F. RentaUPermit Fees for Recreation & Special Events.
tuber 14 2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING .Pace 9
David Thompson summarized his staff report, stating he believes the current fees for
rental are way under the market value. He explained the proposed rate increases as
recommended by staff and asked for the Commission's input.
Commissioner Parsons asked if the rentals are mostly by citizens of Atlantic Beach.
Recreation Director Timmy Johnson stated it is mostly rented by the citizens.
Commissioner Parsons stated he believes we should give the citizens a break on the
fees but agreed we should have a fee for the application. Mr. Hanson asked if we
received a grant from the City of Jacksonville for part of the cost of renovating Adele
Grage. Mr. Johnson stated that was correct. Mr. Hanson pointed out, because of the
grant, there is probably the standazd language that we cannot discriminate against those
who are not citizens of Atlantic Beach. Commissioner Daugherty stated, although this
is in line with what others are chazging, he believes this is a very dramatic increase.
He stated he is in favor of raising the rates but doing so over atwo-yeaz period so it is a
little easier for the renters to accept. Commissioner Fletcher agreed it is a dramatic
increase but believes it should be compared with other facilities like it and stated he
supports the increase. He stated he would like to see a separate category for HOA,
condo associations, etc. He further stated taxpayers are subsidizing the use of this
facility and the physical plant is going to require upgrade much faster. He would like
to see it stand on its own, financially and this rate structure will get us going in that
direction. Commissioner Daugherty asked if the facility is breaking even; does it stand
on its own financially. Mr. Thompson stated it currently is not breaking even. Mr.
Hanson stated staff could prepare a report if the Commission approves going ahead
with a first reading. Commissioner Daugherty stated this is a public facility and some
taxpayer money should go to the facility. He reiterated he would support raising the
fees, but not so dramatically. Commissioner Woods stated ABET and the YMCA
summer camp have separate agreements with the City and asked whether that would
change. Mr. Thompson stated that would be up to the Commission in the future. She
further asked about Commissioner Fletcher's proposal to not charge civic organizations
as much and whether this is in the same quagmire of a different rate structure. Mayor
Bomo stated they have asked staff to look at this and report back to the Commission.
He further stated it might be better to put monthly users on a contract basis also. Mr.
Hanson stated the contract basis the City uses is for events that aze open to the public.
He further stated home owner associations could be under the nonprofit fee proposed.
Discussion ensued and Mayor Borno stated if the Commissioners have other
suggestions or issues they should discuss it with the City Manager.
Motion: Direct staff to prepare an ordinance adopting the proposed fee schedule
for renting .the Adele Grace Cultural Center and to adopt a $25 application fee
for special events.
Moved by Fletcher, Seconded by Parsons.
Mayor Borno proposed the application fee benon-refundable and stated the $200
deposit should also be non-refundable if the applicant fails to cancel an event. The
Commission was in consensus.
December 14.2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paae 10
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
G. Authority to Execute Justice Assistance Grant (Technology) Acceptance.
David Thompson explained the grant stating it was for $45,000 with no matching funds
required.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
H. Bid to construct New Well 2R and Raw Water Transmission Main (Bid No.
0910-2).
Donna Kaluzniak explained the project, stating all bids came in under budget with the
lowest bid being $150,000 under budget. She stated this will be funded with the
Stimulus State Revolving Fund money. Discussion ensued regarding the proximity
criteria, which Ms. Kaluzniak stated was not a requirement with this bid.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
I. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Construction Loan Agreement for Well
2R and Ocean Blvd. Water Main.
(City Attorney Jensen left the meeting at T:45 pm.)
Mr. Hanson explained this is the loan agreement to receive the State Revolving Loan
Fund Stimulus money at an interest rate under 3% and recommended approval.
(City Attorney Jensen returned at 7:48 pm.)
Commissioner Woods questioned the totals in the budget but after further discussion
agreed with the budget figures in the staff report.
December 14.2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 11
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
J. Contract for Third-Party Review and Quality Assurance/Quality Control-
Wastewater TMDL Final Design RFP No. 10-01.
Mr. Hanson explained the contract, stating he expects to save considerably more than
this in capital and operating savings by having an independent engineer come in and
review, which is standard practice on a big project. He stated he recommends going
ahead with this.
contract.
Moved by Fletcher, Seconded by Parsons.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Bortto, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
K. Police Quarterly Report.
Chief Classey summarized his quarterly report and answered questions from the
Commission.
L. New Ground Water Rule.
.Donna Kaluzniak explained the new Federal rule, which she believes could cause more
panic from the public than is warranted. Mayor Borno asked if the national EPA can
make their own rules and they don't have to be enacted by anyone. Ms. Kaluzniak
stated that was correct, but usually the States work with the Federal agency during the
rule making process and then the States make their own concurrent rule with a lot of
time for public input. She stated, however, if the State does not pass a rule
concurrently, then the Federal rule is effective. She explained the State rule cannot be
any less stringent than the Federal rule, however. Mayor Borno stated he believes this
is a bad rule with no validity whatsoever the way it is written, because they don't
understand the process. He asked the City Manager to look at it and they will talk to
our federal legislators asking them to go to the EPA to get this straightened out.
M. Request to transfer budgeted funds for use in preparing a plan for development
of Veterans Park.
December 14, 2009 REGUI.~R COMMISSION MEETING Pace 12
Commissioner Woods asked what these funds were originally budgeted for. Mr.
Hanson explained these funds had been targeted as matching funds for the grant
expected for the development of the River Branch Preserve. Discussion ensued
regarding bed tax funds and half cent sales tax funds. David Thompson explained the
matching funds process. Mr. Hanson explained the transfer of funds at this time is so
they can then get other funds from the City of Jacksonville, the Rotary Club and the
Veterans organizations. Commissioner Daugherty asked why we need to have an
engineering plan before being able to secure the funds from Jacksonville. Mr. Hanson
explained each of the groups need to know the cost of a specific portion of the park, i.e.
the flagpole, the pavilion, etc. in order to commit their funds. Commissioner Fletcher
stated during strategic planning they talked about the River Branch Preserve
acquisition and improvement and during the budget they allocated the entire bed tax
fund to the improvements to make that preserve more accessible to the public. He
stated his concern is that we have physical assets and limited dollars and now we aze
talking about adding a new physical asset with the same limited pot of dollars, just on
the fly. He stated we are starting a brand new venture without having put this in the
budget or with strategic planning. He stated it seems too sudden and the Commission
is being rushed to approve the $10,000 fee to pay for engineering plans on something
that wasn't even in the strategic plan. Mr. Thompson stated he believes part of this
decision goes back to funding availabilities that aze there today but may be gone
tomorrow. He stated Councilman Meserve has access to funding that, if we don't put
to some good use in the near future, will go somewhere else. He stated there are also
other groups saying they are willing to put the money into this now, but he doesn't
know if in a yeaz or two the money will still be there, which he believes is part of the
driving force behind doing this now. Originally, they hoped they could use
Councilman Meserve's and the City of Jacksonville's money to do the planning, but
they won't allow us to do the planning part of this with their funding. He stated you
can build the infrastructure and hazdscape, but you can't do the planning, and without a
plan you can't sell it to the veterans groups, etc. He stated the motivation to do it right
now is that there is money out there that may not be out there if we don't pursue this
sooner rather than later. Mayor Borno agreed that was why he brought this before the
Commission. He stated we aren't taking on a new project for the City, we are taking
on the initial inertia to start the plan. He stated the rest of the project is going to come
together with the City of Jacksonville and other agencies. Commissioner Daugherty
stated he believes this is an ideal setting and is consistent with the character of what
Atlantic Beach is, a Navy community.
Votes:
Aye: S -Borno, Daugherty, Fletcher, Parsons, Woods
Nay: 0 -
MOTION CARRIED
City Manager 9. City Manager
A. City Manager's Report
Mayor Borno explained the request, stating a conceptual plan must be developed
before the funding for the other phases can be obtained.
December 14, 2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 13
City Manager Hanson stated he will be sending out a list of proposed updates to
Chapter 24 -Land Development Regulations and Zoning, which the Community
Development Board has been working on for several months. He stated Sonya Doerr
has put together a two page summary of the more important changes, which will give
the Commission time to look it over and ask questions of the staff. He also announced
the Police Department, along with FDOT, is piloting a designated driver program. He
wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Reports/Requests 10, Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City Attorney
City Commissioners
City Attorney City Attorney Jensen
• Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.
• Also wanted to recognize Carl Stucki and stated, if there is something the
Commission could do to recognize his passing, it would be nice. Mayor Borno
stated if anyone has any information on Mr. Stucki that would help in putting
something together, please give it to the City Manager so they can have a
recognition for him the first meeting in January.
City Clerk Bartle
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Commissioner Fletcher
• Wished Merry Christmas to everyone.
Commissioner Woods
• Wished everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy
Kwanza, and Happy New Year.
• Reminded all that there aze a lot of people out there struggling through these
rough times and hoped everyone remembers to take a moment to do what they
can.
Commissioner Daugherty
• Announced he is now a great uncle. His niece had a baby girl named Willow.
• With Publix moving, he wants staff to see what we can do to try to start
attracting new businesses to the City. He stated these deals are done a yeaz in
advance and now is the time to start talking to developers so they can make
sure whatever business comes in is consistent with the character of what we
want in Atlantic Beach.
• Wished all a Merry Christmas, saying he was going home to Missouri and eat
some good cooking.
Commissioner Parsons
• Agreed we need to do something to recognize Mr. Stucki.
• Merry Christmas to everybody.
Mayor Borno
• Thanked the City Attorney for his monthly report.
Reminded everyone of the Teal Gate Party this Thursday from 4:00-8:00 pm.
December 14 2009 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 14
• Asked for a report on the CDBG disaster recovery grant recipients meeting.
David Thompson stated the meeting was good and he has a project to submit
that has some promise.
• Summarized the meeting the City Manager, Mayor Pruette and he had with
Senator John Thrasher. Stated they are also trying to set meetings with some of
the other legislators from this area.
• Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday and Happy New Year.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 8:27
p.m.
Mike Borno, Mayor/Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Donna L. Bartle, CMC
City Clerk